I just heard a story on the radio about a small business owner who, after struggling to keep their doors open for the last four years, has decided to sell their business due to the bleek outlook of our economy. What a sad day for small business owners everywhere.
The farmer and I are small business owners ourselves and this story couldn't help but make me a little fearful. What do the next four years hold for us? I know one thing, that God is sovereign over all and He is in control. I rest in that. However, the mother, wife and sinner in me can't help but wonder is it really going to be ok?
I also know that while the great state of Wisconsin didn't vote the way I had hoped, we did regain majority in the state senate and maintained a majority in the state assembly - oh and we have this awesome guy named Scott Walker as our governor. So I guess yesterday wasn't a total loss. Hopefully that will be enough for our small businesses to hang on for the next four years.
The farmer has gone so far to joke that in the event that the nation defaults on it's debt (projected national debt when Obama gets out of office in 2016 is over $25 Trillion) we will be fortunate that we own the amount of land that we do and we will just farm to sustain our life. I mean is this really what the American dream has come to? Farming the land as to sustain your family? The content, God-fearing, scripture believing, born-again Christian in me says that would be just fine and God would provide as necessary and we would be just fine. The shop-aholic, cash hungry, fast-food loving human in me says HECK NO. Farm? For real? Nuh-uh.
In the wake of this election I'm obviously just having some extreme feelings. I'm sure everything (for the most part) will be fine, just mediocre to sub-par, as opposed to getting back on track and jump starting the economy like we had hoped.
I really don't want to go to work tonight. I have far too many friends on "the other side". And just to set the record straight, had things turned out differently last night...I did not plan on rubbing in it anyone's face, I had decided that I was going to say nothing. After Scott Walker was elected not once, but TWICE, I said nothing. I did not rub it in anyone's face, I silently celebrated our victory to myself.
I understand from "the otherside" it may seem that we can get whiny and we may seem like sore losers but you know what, in Dr. Phil's words, "it doesn't matter how flat you make a pancake, it still has two sides!" After Scott Walker was elected here in WI, democrats went so far as to destroy the capital with stand ins and protests and they cost us so much tax dollars to clean and fix up after that whole mess-simply because they didn't like what they heard. Not to mention the 14 cowards that left the state all together. So you want to call Republicans sore losers and cowards - think again. AND all the money spent in another election - WHEN HE ALREADY WON, fair and square. So don't talk to me about being a sore loser or being whiny, ok? Mitt Romney accepted his defeat and congratulated the president. I'm not trying to dis the president but I wonder had things turned out differently if there would have been a concede from President Obama or would they have turned once again to recounts and recalls. Just food for thought.
...mmm, food. I'm starving.
Well, until next time on the farm, here's to moving "forward"...at least in Wisconsin.
-The Farmer's Wife
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Hormones, Cravings and Exhaustion-OH MY!
They say it's not a good idea to go to the grocery store when you're starving. Well, as I learned today, if you go to the grocery store when you're starving AND pregnant, it's a whole 'nother ball game. Seriously, it's just plain dangerous.
While my incredible, super-human, ridiculous hormonal rages seem to have subsided (for now, at least), my mid-day exhaustion has not and my cravings are getting increasingly worse. Sour Cream and Onion chips, yum. Trolli Gummi Worms...mmmm, YES! And the one I have yet to indulge is Taco Johns, oh sweet deliciousness. Next time I find myself out on Grand Ave in Waukesha that IS happening!
Each week seems to go by a little more quickly than the last, which is good news because I feel like the first 6 weeks took FOREVER! It didn't help that I was over a week behind what I thought when I went for my ultrasound. The end of this week marks 12 weeks and only one more week until the 2nd trimester-HALLELUJIA! Can I get an Amen?
So I ran to Walmart to grab an onion and half & half for the delicous-looking Broccoli Cheese soup I'm making for dinner tonight. An onion and half & half. When I remembered this awesome Red Baron deep dish pizza that I got last week. I immediately needed to have that for lunch. Like, anything else just wasn't happening. It needed to be that pizza. Ugh, don't you hate that? After staring at the pizza cooler for like 7 minutes I had to come to terms with the fact that it wasn't there. Now, I just went grocery shopping on Friday, they had it on Friday. Don't ask me why only four days later the thing was no where to be found. So annoying.
Long story short I went for an onion and half & half. I left with two frozen pizzas (because I couldn't decide on one-big surprise), sour cream and onion chips, Trolli Gummy Octopusses (becasue there were no worms, grr!), a block of Marble Jack cheese (to eat with my flip sides cracker/pretzels), butter (because I've learned there's no such thing as having too much butter), Keebler Club Crackers and Cheese (so random), new foundation (because a mouse ate my other one), an onion and half & half. So much for sticking to the list (one of the farmer's pet peeves about me). Oh well, hopefully that will be enough to last me a few weeks worth of cravings.
So until next time, hopefully I'll make it out to Taco Johns....because I literally laid in bed the other night trying to make up an excuse to go out to Waukesha. Taco Johns is so dear to my heart, they really need to put one closer to me! Like across the street in Muskego, next to the horibble McDonald's with the worst service in the history of the universe.
See ya around,
The Farmer's Wife
While my incredible, super-human, ridiculous hormonal rages seem to have subsided (for now, at least), my mid-day exhaustion has not and my cravings are getting increasingly worse. Sour Cream and Onion chips, yum. Trolli Gummi Worms...mmmm, YES! And the one I have yet to indulge is Taco Johns, oh sweet deliciousness. Next time I find myself out on Grand Ave in Waukesha that IS happening!
Each week seems to go by a little more quickly than the last, which is good news because I feel like the first 6 weeks took FOREVER! It didn't help that I was over a week behind what I thought when I went for my ultrasound. The end of this week marks 12 weeks and only one more week until the 2nd trimester-HALLELUJIA! Can I get an Amen?
So I ran to Walmart to grab an onion and half & half for the delicous-looking Broccoli Cheese soup I'm making for dinner tonight. An onion and half & half. When I remembered this awesome Red Baron deep dish pizza that I got last week. I immediately needed to have that for lunch. Like, anything else just wasn't happening. It needed to be that pizza. Ugh, don't you hate that? After staring at the pizza cooler for like 7 minutes I had to come to terms with the fact that it wasn't there. Now, I just went grocery shopping on Friday, they had it on Friday. Don't ask me why only four days later the thing was no where to be found. So annoying.
Long story short I went for an onion and half & half. I left with two frozen pizzas (because I couldn't decide on one-big surprise), sour cream and onion chips, Trolli Gummy Octopusses (becasue there were no worms, grr!), a block of Marble Jack cheese (to eat with my flip sides cracker/pretzels), butter (because I've learned there's no such thing as having too much butter), Keebler Club Crackers and Cheese (so random), new foundation (because a mouse ate my other one), an onion and half & half. So much for sticking to the list (one of the farmer's pet peeves about me). Oh well, hopefully that will be enough to last me a few weeks worth of cravings.
So until next time, hopefully I'll make it out to Taco Johns....because I literally laid in bed the other night trying to make up an excuse to go out to Waukesha. Taco Johns is so dear to my heart, they really need to put one closer to me! Like across the street in Muskego, next to the horibble McDonald's with the worst service in the history of the universe.
See ya around,
The Farmer's Wife
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Wild Chicken Chase
I am sure you've heard the term "wild goose chase" and while I'm quite certain you've never actually encountered a wild goose chase, I'm sure you can imagine it quite ridiculous.
Well, my friends, I have just been victim to a "wild chicken chase", which is, in fact, equally as ridiculous.
My previous post about the most scrumptious Brown Butter Pumpkin Cupcakes was the setting for what was about to transpire. I was setting up to bake the second batch of these delightful treats when it dawned on me that we only had one egg left in the fridge. No big deal, I'm the Farmer's Wife, remember? Just go out back and grab an egg (I'm not kidding, that's actually what we do here).
Easier said than done.
After spending at least 5 minutes trying to unlatch the door to the chicken coop, I finally realized I was attempting to turn it the wrong way. Ok, problem #1 solved. Got the door open and pandemonium ensued. Ducks and chickens went running everywhere! At first I was able to contain them, scaring them back into the coop, but then just as one would run back in, three more would run out.
I'm not making this stuff up. It was the definition of ridiculous. I knew the Farmer would not be happy. These were his prized meat birds. But then, I saw a duck got out. Not a duck! So my priority shifted, if nothing could be saved, I had to at least fight for the duck. I was able to catch him and shove him back under the door. And there were a few smaller chickens that were easy to corner and grab. The larger meat birds-that's a different story. These things turn every which way. Just when you think you've got them cornered, they duck and run (pun intended) the other direction.
So, I got wise. I went and got the pet carrier and would grab them one by one and put them in the pet carrier-it was becoming too tiresome to catch them, open the door, shove them in, all while trying to make sure none of the others got out-after the pet carrier was full, I went to the side door and let them out. I had to do this three times!
Finally, with just one bird left, sweaty, defeated and so far beyond angry and frustrated that it isn't even funny, I decided I would give up. There was no way I could catch this last bird. It was a bantam which is smaller than an average chicken, so it's quicker and harder to catch. He was just running up and back along the coop. So then I decided I could do it. Just think, be smarter than the chicken, right? I mean I am smarter than a chicken, aren't I? Don't answer that.
The coop sits next to the garden and the wire outer wall of the coop runs parallel to the fence that surrounds the garden. So there's only a small space between the two and the chicken was pretty much staying right in between. So I barricaded off the one side so that he couldn't run through. Then went around the other side. He ran into my trap - so far, so good - well, believe it or not, chickens can fly. While I was tripping over, the hose, bricks and other miscellaneous farm tools trying to catch this last chicken, he flew right over my barricade, which was clearly no challenge for him.
I chased him around the coop and he ran straight for the woods. I yelled, "I'm trying to help you! You'll die if you run in there." He didn't even look back. Stupid bird. So here I sit, with a broken nail, scraped leg, exhausted (it doesn't help that I'm 10 weeks pregnant and so much as getting dressed makes me exhausted) and I have nothing to show for it. Now I have to wait until the Farmer gets home to get my egg, and hope that he's not totally upset that there's a chicken missing. I think it was one of the full grown ones, one of the only ones that was laying. Ugh, oh well.
Until next time and hoping that none of you ever have to chase chickens because it really sucks,
-The Farmer's Wife
Well, my friends, I have just been victim to a "wild chicken chase", which is, in fact, equally as ridiculous.
My previous post about the most scrumptious Brown Butter Pumpkin Cupcakes was the setting for what was about to transpire. I was setting up to bake the second batch of these delightful treats when it dawned on me that we only had one egg left in the fridge. No big deal, I'm the Farmer's Wife, remember? Just go out back and grab an egg (I'm not kidding, that's actually what we do here).
Easier said than done.
After spending at least 5 minutes trying to unlatch the door to the chicken coop, I finally realized I was attempting to turn it the wrong way. Ok, problem #1 solved. Got the door open and pandemonium ensued. Ducks and chickens went running everywhere! At first I was able to contain them, scaring them back into the coop, but then just as one would run back in, three more would run out.
I'm not making this stuff up. It was the definition of ridiculous. I knew the Farmer would not be happy. These were his prized meat birds. But then, I saw a duck got out. Not a duck! So my priority shifted, if nothing could be saved, I had to at least fight for the duck. I was able to catch him and shove him back under the door. And there were a few smaller chickens that were easy to corner and grab. The larger meat birds-that's a different story. These things turn every which way. Just when you think you've got them cornered, they duck and run (pun intended) the other direction.
So, I got wise. I went and got the pet carrier and would grab them one by one and put them in the pet carrier-it was becoming too tiresome to catch them, open the door, shove them in, all while trying to make sure none of the others got out-after the pet carrier was full, I went to the side door and let them out. I had to do this three times!
Finally, with just one bird left, sweaty, defeated and so far beyond angry and frustrated that it isn't even funny, I decided I would give up. There was no way I could catch this last bird. It was a bantam which is smaller than an average chicken, so it's quicker and harder to catch. He was just running up and back along the coop. So then I decided I could do it. Just think, be smarter than the chicken, right? I mean I am smarter than a chicken, aren't I? Don't answer that.
The coop sits next to the garden and the wire outer wall of the coop runs parallel to the fence that surrounds the garden. So there's only a small space between the two and the chicken was pretty much staying right in between. So I barricaded off the one side so that he couldn't run through. Then went around the other side. He ran into my trap - so far, so good - well, believe it or not, chickens can fly. While I was tripping over, the hose, bricks and other miscellaneous farm tools trying to catch this last chicken, he flew right over my barricade, which was clearly no challenge for him.
I chased him around the coop and he ran straight for the woods. I yelled, "I'm trying to help you! You'll die if you run in there." He didn't even look back. Stupid bird. So here I sit, with a broken nail, scraped leg, exhausted (it doesn't help that I'm 10 weeks pregnant and so much as getting dressed makes me exhausted) and I have nothing to show for it. Now I have to wait until the Farmer gets home to get my egg, and hope that he's not totally upset that there's a chicken missing. I think it was one of the full grown ones, one of the only ones that was laying. Ugh, oh well.
Until next time and hoping that none of you ever have to chase chickens because it really sucks,
-The Farmer's Wife
Monday, October 15, 2012
Proud Pinterest Moment!
Today I had what I like to call a "proud Pinterest moment". I found a recipe on Pinterest, purchased ingredients and was able to near-perfectly replicate it!
Jack and I started our morning with an episode of our favorite show-Curious George-an episode in which he and Professor Wiseman bake muffins for a bake sale. It's amazing how an episode of Curious George can inspire creativity. Anyways, I had an itch to bake afterwards and have been wanting to try a Pinterest recipe for Brown Butter Pumpkin Muffins for a while now. I am actually taking them to a church mom's group called TIME OUT on Wednesday-but wanted to test them out before subjecting all my mom friends to some random recipe.
Well, success! They look good, smell good and taste great! And here's the kicker- I don't even like pumpkin! Jack was a huge help-he measured, poured and mixed most of the ingredients (with a little help, of course!) and he was so proud of himself for baking muffins "just like George". It's exciting to see your children have moments where they realize they can do things on their own. He actually said to me "Mom, I love baking with you"-that made it totally worth the powdered sugar disaster in my kitchen right now!
Here's the Pinterest inspired cupcake:
And here's my rendition:
I even managed to find my grandma's Wilton cupcake frosting tip. I guess I should have taken the wrapper off before taking the picture so you could see the amazing carmel/orange color of these muffins. My whole house smells so awesome right now-another bonus to baking! If you'd like the recipe, you can find it at Baked Perfection a blog dedicated to recipes and baking! This girl was right, this recipe was worth repeating! Not to mention the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. I can't wait to take these to TIME OUT on Wednesday, I think they're going to be a huge hit!
Oh-I almost forgot, remember the Pin about how to seal your bags? Let me refresh your memory:
Jack and I started our morning with an episode of our favorite show-Curious George-an episode in which he and Professor Wiseman bake muffins for a bake sale. It's amazing how an episode of Curious George can inspire creativity. Anyways, I had an itch to bake afterwards and have been wanting to try a Pinterest recipe for Brown Butter Pumpkin Muffins for a while now. I am actually taking them to a church mom's group called TIME OUT on Wednesday-but wanted to test them out before subjecting all my mom friends to some random recipe.
Well, success! They look good, smell good and taste great! And here's the kicker- I don't even like pumpkin! Jack was a huge help-he measured, poured and mixed most of the ingredients (with a little help, of course!) and he was so proud of himself for baking muffins "just like George". It's exciting to see your children have moments where they realize they can do things on their own. He actually said to me "Mom, I love baking with you"-that made it totally worth the powdered sugar disaster in my kitchen right now!
I even managed to find my grandma's Wilton cupcake frosting tip. I guess I should have taken the wrapper off before taking the picture so you could see the amazing carmel/orange color of these muffins. My whole house smells so awesome right now-another bonus to baking! If you'd like the recipe, you can find it at Baked Perfection a blog dedicated to recipes and baking! This girl was right, this recipe was worth repeating! Not to mention the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. I can't wait to take these to TIME OUT on Wednesday, I think they're going to be a huge hit!
Oh-I almost forgot, remember the Pin about how to seal your bags? Let me refresh your memory:
Seriously, it blew my mind, too! I can never seal my powdered sugar bag well enough, and the next time I go to use it, it always seems stale to me. So-BADA BING!
Pinterest to the rescue, again. What would we do without Pinterest?
Other than have our precious time back, that is.
Hopefully this recipe will help you kick off the fall season, they'd make a great alternative to Pumpkin Pie on Thanksgiving, or just a good treat to make for any fall gathering. I plan to make them more than once! Happy Baking, from the Farm.
-The Farmer's Wife
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Funny Story...
So, like usual, I haven't blogged since Jack's birthday. And the only reason I've decided to sit down and do this post is because of an encouraging request from my sis-in-law. I was just reviewing my last post about Jack's successful carnival birthday party (which in the time since I have lent the materials out for someone else to use, so all my work wasn't completely in vain) and I read the last line
Here's to another fun year ahead and looking forward to more fun ideas for birthday bash #4 Maybe by then I'll also be planning a 1st birthday...we'll have to talk to the farmer about that one *wink*
Well, surprise. While I won't have to plan 2 birthday parties for 2013, our family will have added a birthday by the time the year is out. Funny because I forgot that I wrote that in there and at the time I secretly knew we'd be "trying" for baby #2 very soon. But I knew no one would pick up on it since the farmer has been adamant about only having one child. So-jokes on you I guess.
On or around August 4 I stopped taking my BCP and no kidding, September 5 I found out I'd be expecting our 2nd bundle of joy. Fertile Myrtle. I have been to the doc since and everything is good-only one baby (I was secretly hoping for twins), and a strong heartbeat. So praise the Lord!
We decided to tell our families pretty much right away, because we knew their minds would be blown. We waited 2 weeks until we were having a family dinner-let me tell you it was the longest 2 weeks ever! It took my mom a minute to realize that Jack was wearing a "BIG BROTHER" shirt when we dropped him off a their house that night. My sister, on the other hand, took about .05 seconds to realize it and then the screaming, hugging and jumping up and down commenced.
Then the farmer's family. We went to dinner at an Asian-cuisine chain restaurant called "Stir Crazy". When everyone got up to get their woks at the buffet style "build-your-own-wok" station, the farmer and I left pictures of Jack wearing his "BIG BROTHER" shirt on the table next to everyone's seats. It didn't take long for them to see and react and needless to say they were all very excited.
And Jack, he had been praying so faithfully for a little sister (with a little encouraging from me) and I could tell he really wanted a sibling. I was really excited to tell him, I got the video camera out and the farmer and I sat him down and told him...expecting a great, excited reaction from our little man...we were a little disappointed at his less than enthusiastic reply, and it didn't make for much of a home video. But in the days and weeks since, Jack has become more and more excited. It's a little confusing for him still because it's not really apparent that I'm pregnant yet. He hugs me often and tells me he loves my baby and when he hugs me he's hugging the baby too. He usually asks how his baby sister is doing and I've had to remind him that we won't know if it's a brother or a sister for a while and the doctor will have to tell us.
We will be finding out the gender of the baby, I need to be able to plan. If it's a girl I have a lot of shopping to do, if it's a boy, I have a lot of praying to do-haha. Of course I would love a daughter to spoil and dress up and shop with, but Jack is such a blessing that another boy would be lots of fun too. I honestly can't picture my life with two boys though. Maybe I'd get more sympathy from the farmer for being the only female in the family? That alone might be worth a Y chromosome.
Well, pregnancy and children are such a blessing, I feel abundantly blessed that God would grant the farmer and me the chance to raise another child. I have such a long journey ahead of me, it's going to be hard to wait to meet this baby. May 18, 2013 can't come soon enough <3
I am going to make an effort to blog more, so I can remember this time. I did keep a journal during my pregnancy with Jack, and I can't find it right now, which annoys me (more than anything!) because I'd like to pick up where I left off and keep going. So until next time from the farm,
The Farmer's Wife
Here's to another fun year ahead and looking forward to more fun ideas for birthday bash #4 Maybe by then I'll also be planning a 1st birthday...we'll have to talk to the farmer about that one *wink*
Well, surprise. While I won't have to plan 2 birthday parties for 2013, our family will have added a birthday by the time the year is out. Funny because I forgot that I wrote that in there and at the time I secretly knew we'd be "trying" for baby #2 very soon. But I knew no one would pick up on it since the farmer has been adamant about only having one child. So-jokes on you I guess.
On or around August 4 I stopped taking my BCP and no kidding, September 5 I found out I'd be expecting our 2nd bundle of joy. Fertile Myrtle. I have been to the doc since and everything is good-only one baby (I was secretly hoping for twins), and a strong heartbeat. So praise the Lord!
We decided to tell our families pretty much right away, because we knew their minds would be blown. We waited 2 weeks until we were having a family dinner-let me tell you it was the longest 2 weeks ever! It took my mom a minute to realize that Jack was wearing a "BIG BROTHER" shirt when we dropped him off a their house that night. My sister, on the other hand, took about .05 seconds to realize it and then the screaming, hugging and jumping up and down commenced.
Then the farmer's family. We went to dinner at an Asian-cuisine chain restaurant called "Stir Crazy". When everyone got up to get their woks at the buffet style "build-your-own-wok" station, the farmer and I left pictures of Jack wearing his "BIG BROTHER" shirt on the table next to everyone's seats. It didn't take long for them to see and react and needless to say they were all very excited.
And Jack, he had been praying so faithfully for a little sister (with a little encouraging from me) and I could tell he really wanted a sibling. I was really excited to tell him, I got the video camera out and the farmer and I sat him down and told him...expecting a great, excited reaction from our little man...we were a little disappointed at his less than enthusiastic reply, and it didn't make for much of a home video. But in the days and weeks since, Jack has become more and more excited. It's a little confusing for him still because it's not really apparent that I'm pregnant yet. He hugs me often and tells me he loves my baby and when he hugs me he's hugging the baby too. He usually asks how his baby sister is doing and I've had to remind him that we won't know if it's a brother or a sister for a while and the doctor will have to tell us.
We will be finding out the gender of the baby, I need to be able to plan. If it's a girl I have a lot of shopping to do, if it's a boy, I have a lot of praying to do-haha. Of course I would love a daughter to spoil and dress up and shop with, but Jack is such a blessing that another boy would be lots of fun too. I honestly can't picture my life with two boys though. Maybe I'd get more sympathy from the farmer for being the only female in the family? That alone might be worth a Y chromosome.
Well, pregnancy and children are such a blessing, I feel abundantly blessed that God would grant the farmer and me the chance to raise another child. I have such a long journey ahead of me, it's going to be hard to wait to meet this baby. May 18, 2013 can't come soon enough <3
I am going to make an effort to blog more, so I can remember this time. I did keep a journal during my pregnancy with Jack, and I can't find it right now, which annoys me (more than anything!) because I'd like to pick up where I left off and keep going. So until next time from the farm,
The Farmer's Wife
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Party Pictures
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| The Pinterest photo that inspired me... |
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| My attempt to recreate it... |
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| The sign I did not want to spend $30 on from Oriental Trading... |
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| The sign I made for $5.75 with simple supplies from Menards... |
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| These were my favorite things! And if I could have only found a better polka dot paper, I would have been 100% satisfied with them, but I was still happy with how mine turned out. |
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| The penant flag banner from Pinterest... |
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| The popcorn holders, and the little penant flag banner-both were a success. |
I'm slightly disappointed in myself because in the maddness of the party I did not stop to take the pictures that I wanted. I wanted close ups of the popcorn holders, the candy, the party favor boxes, the games, etc. Luckily my brother in law, Dave, was kind enough to take some photos for me so I'm not at a total loss.
And this is what it's all about. Kids having fun! They loved all the games, I don't know if you can see in the background, but there was a balloon popping game (throw darts at a board of balloons)-which proved to be harder than it looked. I also built a Plinko board, the two boards were just $5 plywood boards from Menards, I spray painted them red and used white duct tape (and a level) to make the white stripes. There was a game with old cans stacked up that they threw a ball at, I just used old soup cans and sprayed them blue, really easy-and free {except for the spray paint} and finally bought some feeder fish from the fish store and $1 glass jars and viola! a carnival toss-the-ping-pong-ball-and-win-a-fish game. They all got to take a fish home with them! How fun is that?
I wish the candy table would have turned out a little more full like the inspiration picture, but then I found out how much candy costs and we had to scale back a little. I'm not even going to post how much I spent on candy - just in case the farmer decides to read this one...but then again he will be getting the bill-whoops. But there's something about turning 3-its like the first time a kid realizes what's actually happening, Jack anticipated this party for weeks and helped me pick out everything and get it all ready-so we wanted to go all out. But the farmer's not off the hook either, he went all out and bought the kid a Power Wheels Jeep! That made the t-ball bat, baseball and new books I bought Jack look like nothing. Oh well, I guess I threw the party, that's gotta count for somthing, right?
So, if you want to throw a carnival party and need a few ideas, let me know or head to Pinterest-oh and start saving your pennies now-you're gonna need them! But it was a big hit and everyone enjoyed themeselves. Carnival party = success! Here's to another fun year ahead and looking forward to more fun ideas for birthday bash #4. Maybe by then I'll also be planning a 1st birthday...we'll have to talk to the farmer about that one *wink*
Farewell from the farm,
-The Farmer's Wife
Friday, August 10, 2012
Carnival, Cocktails and Coincidence
{I wrote this in the chaos of preparations for Jack's party and forgot to post it...so here you go!}
So here I sit, like I said, 2.5 hours before the guests arrive to my carnival-a sweaty, hot mess with a cake in the oven, popcorn oil on the stove and a completely un-decorated front yard. Balloons have yet to be blown up, table cloths have yet to be spread, banners are not hung, and I'm sure by now my popcorn oil is burning up. Not to mention the gray sky and sprinkles that just stared. Seriously? In the middle of a drought and it rains on my party.
Oh well, time to move the party inside, I guess. Well-to get to my point quickly I have to throw together an indoor Carnival within the next 2 hours, shower, change and not look like a frazzled disaster. Good luck. Went to make my cake (yes I started baking the cake 2 hours before the party-I'm the queen of procrastination!) and couldn't find my pans. Had to call an audible and switch it to a star shaped cake - still completely appropriate for a carnival - no big deal, right? Well no kidding-30 seconds after I throw the star cake in the oven, I went in a cupboard to get the liquor out for my cocktail and behold- my cake pans, in the liquor cabinet? How's that for cocktails and coincidence.
Well, cheers to the carnival of the year-or what we hope is the resemblance of a carnival...or something.
So here I sit, like I said, 2.5 hours before the guests arrive to my carnival-a sweaty, hot mess with a cake in the oven, popcorn oil on the stove and a completely un-decorated front yard. Balloons have yet to be blown up, table cloths have yet to be spread, banners are not hung, and I'm sure by now my popcorn oil is burning up. Not to mention the gray sky and sprinkles that just stared. Seriously? In the middle of a drought and it rains on my party.
Oh well, time to move the party inside, I guess. Well-to get to my point quickly I have to throw together an indoor Carnival within the next 2 hours, shower, change and not look like a frazzled disaster. Good luck. Went to make my cake (yes I started baking the cake 2 hours before the party-I'm the queen of procrastination!) and couldn't find my pans. Had to call an audible and switch it to a star shaped cake - still completely appropriate for a carnival - no big deal, right? Well no kidding-30 seconds after I throw the star cake in the oven, I went in a cupboard to get the liquor out for my cocktail and behold- my cake pans, in the liquor cabinet? How's that for cocktails and coincidence.
Well, cheers to the carnival of the year-or what we hope is the resemblance of a carnival...or something.
A Fun Craft for Friday
T.G.I.F. - which actually bears no significance to me anymore, since I work on weekends. Oh well. It's a nice thought anyways.
I remembered this craft from my childhood-doing it once at a babysitters house. Jack got a giant bucket of sidewalk chalk for his birthday and I was instantly reminded of this craft, and I even had all the supplies at home-which almost never happens. So here you have it-little girls would probably have much more fun with this, but boys can do it too
Sand Art Ice Cream Drinks
Ever made one of those sand art jar things? This is sort of like that, but much cheaper than colored sand.
So this morning, I woke at 5:45am and met some friends over at Wirth Park to work out. Yes, me. The queen of sleeping til noon. It was really great. Every time I get up early and work out, I am amazed at the things I accomplish. Now if only I could make this a lifestyle, and not a trend. I'm going to try. After the workout, I stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things for the farmer's lunch, got home and started to tackle the aftermath of Jack's birthday party. I've actually gotten 3 loads of laundry done, the 1st load of dishes in the dishwasher, cleaned up all the garbage and took it curbside, and found some time for a fun craft with Jack and it's only 11:00 am! On an average day, I would be just rolling out of bed...sad-and slightly pathetic-I know.
Sand Art Ice Cream Drinks
Ever made one of those sand art jar things? This is sort of like that, but much cheaper than colored sand.
Supplies: Salt (I used Sugar today because I had almost no salt-but in the future will use salt because it's much cheaper - you can get the off brand for around .30/container), foam ball (cut in half), foam bowls, sidewalk chalk-assorted colors, clear glass/cup/jar, bendy straw and hot glue.
1. Color your salt. You'll need a foam bowl for each color you want to make. Pour the bowl about 1/2 full of salt and swirl the chalk around the bowl until you get your desired shade. It might take a few minutes depending on how dark you want your salt.
2. Layer the colored salt in your container. Make as many colors of salt as you want in your little ice cream and then alternate layering the salt in your clear container. I only had plain plastic cups at home, but you can use a glass-champagne flute or wine glass, even a mason jar would make a cute container.
3. Cut straw and foam ball. Depending on the size of your container, you'll need to find a foam ball with an appropriate circumference. Cut the foam ball in half (so effectively, with one ball you can make two sand art crafts) and cut a bendy straw so that when you insert it about 1 inch into the foam it looks as though you've got a straw in your ice cream.
4. Attach the "Icre Cream" to your "Drink". With hot glue, use a line of glue around the top of the container and attach the foam ball with straw. And voila! you've got yourself a really cute sand art-esque craft!
Jack had tons of fun coloring the salt and even helped to layer it in the cup. Once we got to the "ice cream" foam ball part, I pretty much took over, but older kids can probably handle the whole thing! An inexpensive way to spend some quality time with your little ones-not to mention a fun way to use up random craft supplies you have laying around. Feel free to "jazz" up your drink, if you have a red jewel or little pompon ball you can glue it to the top of the foam to look like a cherry. If you don't have a foam ball- or have a boy whose less than enthusiastic about making a girly looking ice cream drink, use old soda bottles, or shaped containers-for smaller containers use a funnel for the salt when layering. the possibilities are truly endless.
I'm starting to get sore from my crack-of-dawn workout so I should probably get up and get moving again. Work tonight might be a challenge...but I need these shifts to help pay down the gianormous credit card bill the farmer's going to get for the carnival I threw the other day. Whoops.
Stay tuned for carnival pictures. I still have to get my house in order, then I'll be a blogging maniac.
Til next time on the farm,
The Farmer's Wife
Saturday, August 4, 2012
That Time of Year
Well, it must be August. That time of the year when nostalgia sets in and amidst my crazy preparations for Jack's birthday bash of the year I find myself reflecting and marveling over the past years. You know that totally cliche saying - "time flies when you're having fun", but I mean-really. It seriously does.
As mother's know, being a mom is the best, hardest, most rewarding yet most challenging thing in the history of ever. Period. And when August rolls around each year I run around spending oodles of my husband's hard-earned dollars, buying all the perfect party accessories for the little man that my whole entire universe revolves around-I can't help but get a bit emotional. Thus, I must blog.
It's been a while-March to be specific. Everytime I come online with the best intentions to blog, I find myself lost in a sea of pins and posts and somehow blogging becomes the farthest thing from my mind. Oh well. You'll probably notice a pattern, since I'll be at home for the next three days painting, baking, packaging and preparing the most awesome-carnival-birthday-party-for-a-3-year-old-ever, I'll probably actually sit down to blog about it...then in the aftermath post about how wonderful it went (or how horribly cheesy it turned out). So keep your eyes out for another few posts, and then I'm sure it'll be sparse/non-existent for a while.
So, Jack's going to be 3. And 3.5 years ago on December 15 when I found out I was pregnant, I could not have imagined the little man that he is if I tried. He is the light of our lives, talking, learning, singing (Donny's convinced he's the next Bieber) and laughing. {Brace yourself for shameless proud mommy bragging} Not only does he know how to sing his alphabet, he can identify all the letters, he can spell and write his name, he can count to about 20 (sometimes he skips 15) identify his numbers and we've even begun some simple addition and subtraction. It amazes me what a sponge this kid is. He remembers the most incredible stuff. Ok, I'll stop now. Every mom thinks their kid is amazing, I get it. But really-Jack is. Ha. (I actually just laughed at myself-I'm so ridiculous).
So for my braniac, child prodigy, wonderful, perfect son I decided a carnival would be a fantastic way to celebrate being 3. There will be games, prizes, candy, food, fun and cake (which I haven't decided on yet). I've decided I'll post a few pictures from Pinterest that were my inspiration and then if all goes well, I'll post my actual pictures to see how I compare to all the wonder moms out there that throw these insane-over-the-top birthday parties.
Popcorn holders with scrapbook paper.
I already made this penant banner-out of different scrapbook papers with ribbon. Was very easy and looks really cute! Hopefully I 'll do a good job of hangning it so it doesn't look stupid.
Table with candy and prizes, I'm going to attempt the letter thing with a J for Jack, but we'll see how I do on time. Then that sign, I have my own idea in mind with PVC and printed signs on poster board, we'll see. It might look lame.
So before I run out of naptime, I'm going to get back at it. The farmer is gone all day today and I need to make use of this time - it's precious! Too bad it's thundering out so I have the bat crazy dog in the house to worry about - yikes!
Til next time from the farm, farewell!
-The Farmer's Wife
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
farm living in the city {explained}
I had one of those "aha" moments the other day as I watched Jack play in the sand. A seemingly normal activity for a child-whether they live in the city or in the country. However, the scene before me was not your typical, every-day, play-date in the sand. Allow me to explain.
If that doesn't sum it up for you, then allow me to elaborate. There are CHICKENS playing in the sand with Jack, all while cars enter and exit I-43 for which the on-ramp is in plain view. Not-to-mention the cat who watches on with a look as if to say "is this really happnening?" You know how cats can be...sarcastic, yet realistic.
This was one of those full-circle, oh-yea-I-live-on-a-farm-in-the-middle-of-the-city moments, that I just HAD to share. I had another one once, you can read about it here.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
...
In the silence of nap time, snuggling on the couch with my little Jack in my arms, I realized how completely ridiculous my previous post was. However, I'm still not sure about more children, it was this special nap time that I realized how much I cherish the relationship I have with my son. We sang Sunday school songs softly, talked about our special days together and finally he fell asleep after doing "ticky tick" snuggled warm in my arms. I'm sure you can love all your children equally, but I'm not sure I want to ever lose the special relationship that I have with Jack. I don't think I would have the time or energy to give him all the attention I do if I had another baby around. So, here's to waiting until Kindergarten rolls around to think about adding another Spielman to the clan. Jack did ask me during our little nap time snuggle session if there was a baby in my belly like Auntie Melissa and Auntie Vicki and I told him no. Then he so wisely told me that we had to go find God and Jesus and tell them to put two babies in my belly. (I swear I did not put him up to it-he said it all on his own!!) Alright, this crazy mom is going to sign off for now-time to run errands and get a little fresh air on this oh-so-beautiful spring day!
More children? I don't think so...
Reasons why Jack might be an only child:
Aaaand, for whatever reason kids have this fascination with my dogs, Amos and Lola. Amos and Lola are NOT kid dogs. They want nothing to do with kids, and I'm pretty sure Lola was having a full blown panic attack until I sent her outside. Amos is very cute and looks like a little baby puppy but the truth of the matter is he's a crabby old Chihuahua who wants to sit on my lap or on his bed and sleep, all day. Kids want to touch him and hold him and pet him and pull his ears, Amos will have none of it. Luckily for Jack, he's generous with his meals and Amos has taken a liking to Jack for the simple fact that he know's he can always get a morsle or two off Jack's plate.
Oh, and there's been way too much jumping on beds for me to handle in one day, already. And it's only 10:40am . T minus 2 hours til nap time, and that's because I'm putting them down 1/2 hour early.
Alright, I'm done complaining. Thanks for taking the time to listen (as if you had a choice).
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tuesday Lunch Dates with Jack (and a shameless plug for Parkside 23)
Tuesdays are my favorite day of the week. Jack and I head to Parkside 23 (the awesome resaturant that employs me) for a weekly lunch date. It's important to me for Jack to understand how to behave in public and in restaurants. I frequented restaurants as a child with my parents and sister and we were instilled with manners and proper behavior in a formal and informal dining setting. Now being in the business, it's even more important for my child to have these skills. As a waitress there is nothing I hate more than the table of rowdy children who cannot sit still and cannot be quiet.
Please don't misunderstand me. I know not everyone can take their children out and wine and dine them. I get that, it's expensive. But you should know whether or not your child can handle being in a formal dining setting. You try and take your kid out once a year for their birthday to a nice restaurant and expect them to behave and act appropriate, it's not gonna happen. Just go to Chuck E Cheese-we all thank you in advance.
Also my biggest pet-peeve about children in restaurants: when your kid is clearly in high school and you're still ordering his food. SERIOUSLY!? My two year old can order his own food. There's a difference between my standard and others, I know. But honestly if your child can read their menu, they should be able to tell the server what they want. What happens when your child is on a date and they can't order their own food-when they're like 21? Then what? Or they don't know how they like their meat cooked...what do they do then, text their mom? C'mon.
Well, I've digressed from my original topic. Sorry for the ranting. I wanted to tell you all about how much I love Tuesdays with Jack. A fun lunch with my little guy, teaching him the importance of manners and patience in a restaurant. Good food, good company. Yesterday's menu included Broccoli Cheese soup and a Burger with Cheese (cooked Medium) and a Root Beer Float. Yum. And that's cranberry juice next to Jack FYI.
Some people think it's strange that I would take a 2-year-old to a somewhat "fancy" restaurant and not just hit McDonalds. Honestly, McDonalds is gross. Also, Jack doesn't eat vegetables ever, so if I can get him to eat a bowl of pureed broccoli soup - that I know is made from whole ingredients because I watched the Chef cook it...then I win the war on nutrition. Also, being an employee I get the advantage of 50% off my meal which means it probably cost me the same as going to McDonalds and getting two "value" meals. Win-Win. And it's delicious, healthy, and yummy. Did I mention I really like the food?
So that's the story of Jack and Mommy on Tuesdays. Now it's 2 on Wednesday and that means it's time to get ready for work. 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine all day. GREAT deal. We have awesome specials too, Pan-seared striped bass served over a sautee of fingerling potatoes, wild mushrooms, shallots and asparagus with citrus buerre blanc, and yellow squash and zucchini tossed in citrus vinegrette. Pepper-crusted beef tenderloin, sweet potato mash, sauteed green beans and red wine syrup. Meatloaf-mashed potatoes, veggies and diane sauce (it's SO good), Broccoli Cheese soup=AMAZING.
PARKSIDE 23
Please don't misunderstand me. I know not everyone can take their children out and wine and dine them. I get that, it's expensive. But you should know whether or not your child can handle being in a formal dining setting. You try and take your kid out once a year for their birthday to a nice restaurant and expect them to behave and act appropriate, it's not gonna happen. Just go to Chuck E Cheese-we all thank you in advance.
Also my biggest pet-peeve about children in restaurants: when your kid is clearly in high school and you're still ordering his food. SERIOUSLY!? My two year old can order his own food. There's a difference between my standard and others, I know. But honestly if your child can read their menu, they should be able to tell the server what they want. What happens when your child is on a date and they can't order their own food-when they're like 21? Then what? Or they don't know how they like their meat cooked...what do they do then, text their mom? C'mon.
Well, I've digressed from my original topic. Sorry for the ranting. I wanted to tell you all about how much I love Tuesdays with Jack. A fun lunch with my little guy, teaching him the importance of manners and patience in a restaurant. Good food, good company. Yesterday's menu included Broccoli Cheese soup and a Burger with Cheese (cooked Medium) and a Root Beer Float. Yum. And that's cranberry juice next to Jack FYI.
Some people think it's strange that I would take a 2-year-old to a somewhat "fancy" restaurant and not just hit McDonalds. Honestly, McDonalds is gross. Also, Jack doesn't eat vegetables ever, so if I can get him to eat a bowl of pureed broccoli soup - that I know is made from whole ingredients because I watched the Chef cook it...then I win the war on nutrition. Also, being an employee I get the advantage of 50% off my meal which means it probably cost me the same as going to McDonalds and getting two "value" meals. Win-Win. And it's delicious, healthy, and yummy. Did I mention I really like the food?
So that's the story of Jack and Mommy on Tuesdays. Now it's 2 on Wednesday and that means it's time to get ready for work. 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine all day. GREAT deal. We have awesome specials too, Pan-seared striped bass served over a sautee of fingerling potatoes, wild mushrooms, shallots and asparagus with citrus buerre blanc, and yellow squash and zucchini tossed in citrus vinegrette. Pepper-crusted beef tenderloin, sweet potato mash, sauteed green beans and red wine syrup. Meatloaf-mashed potatoes, veggies and diane sauce (it's SO good), Broccoli Cheese soup=AMAZING.
PARKSIDE 23
"DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND YOU'LL NEVER WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE."
true story
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